| Citation |
NHG-P.782.027
17 Aug 1782:13 (26/1346)
Anecdote of Charles II.
Nothing would form a more curious collection, than little
anecdotes of eminent persons. Could the minute
peculiarities of great men be traced, we should be better
acquainted with the real characters. A single incidence,
like a masterly stroke of the pencil, would exhibit more of
their genuine features, than all the long dissertations of
Biographical Historians.
In some of the State Poems, Charles II is ridiculed, under
the appellation of 'Old Rowley,' the name of an ill favoured
stallion kept in the Meuse, that was remarkable for getting
fine colts. Mrs Holford, a young lady much admired by
Charles, was sitting in her apartment, and singing a
satirical ballad upon, 'Old Rowley the King,' when his
majesty knocked at her door. Upon her asking, who was
there? he replied, with his utmost good humour, 'Old Rowley
himself, Madam.'
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